Study Emphasizes the Risks of Improper Vaccine Inventory Handling and Storage
Date: June 14, 2012
Temecula, CA - According to a new government report, an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG) has revealed that many providers of immunizations meant for low-income children do not store their vaccines at proper temperatures, rendering them potentially ineffective and placing children at risk. In most of the cases, the vaccines in question were stored at temperatures that were either too hot or too cold. While the report spotlighted violations within a specific government-run program, experts say the investigation is an important reminder to all clinicians about the need to properly and carefully store vaccines
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted distributor of plasma products, vaccines and critical-care biopharmaceuticals, FFF Enterprises in Temecula, Calif., is also known for its spotless 24-year safety track record. FFF has earned this distinction by implementing a best practices system called “the 8 Critical Steps to Guaranteed Channel Integrity™,” an intricate system of safeguards that includes product lot tracking, handling and shipping guidelines, and high-tech storage.
“At FFF, we recognize that we store and transport delicate products that are very sensitive to temperature variations. Our state-of-the-art warehouse is temperature-controlled, monitored 24/7, and supported with backup generators in the event of power loss,” says Chris Ground, Chief Operating Officer, FFF Enterprises, Inc.. “In addition to temperature regulations, we only stack products double-high to minimize pressure on fragile bottles and containers.”
FFF also delivers on its promise of securing the supply chain through its delivery methods. “We monitor for extreme weather conditions and storms and when the need arises, we ship overnight to be certain product efficacy is maintained,” adds Ground.
The recent HHS OIG investigation found that 76 percent of the providers in question used improper storage temperatures and 13 providers stored expired vaccines along with non-expired vaccines, another potentially dangerous practice. The findings emphasize the need for clearly defined vaccine storage and handling standards within the healthcare community.
About FFF Enterprises, Inc.
Temecula-based FFF Enterprises is the largest and most trusted distributor of plasma products, vaccines and other biopharmaceuticals in the U.S. Founded in 1988, FFF is now in its 24th year with more than a billion dollars in annual sales and a flawless safety track record. FFF has taken a leadership position in regards to supply chain safety and innovation, setting new standards and pioneering industry firsts. FFF’s commitment to Guaranteed Channel Integrity™ ensures that products are purchased only from the manufacturer and shipped only to healthcare providers, with additional steps taken to safely store, handle and ship products to ensure patient safety is never compromised. FFF’s proprietary systems, Verified Electronic Pedigree™ and Lot-Track™, provide verification of this secure channel, and FFF’s MyFluVaccine (www.MyFluVaccine.com) and VaxAmerica (www.VaxAmerica.com) are revolutionary vaccination programs that have added a new level of safety, convenience and reliability to both healthcare providers and consumers.